The Alabama Murders - Part 7: The Second Warrant

What It Covers

Alabama executed Kenneth Smith using nitrogen gas after a failed lethal injection attempt, marking the first nitrogen execution in US history despite minimal medical consultation and significant concerns about cruelty.

Key Questions Answered

• •Untested execution method: Alabama used nitrogen hypoxia without consulting medical personnel about risks like vomiting-induced asphyxiation or oxygen leakage, relying only on internet research for equipment selection and hypothetical discussions about complications.
• •PTSD from failed execution: Smith developed severe post-traumatic stress after surviving a three-and-a-half-hour failed lethal injection where execution team repeatedly failed to establish IV access, causing documented psychological trauma before his second execution warrant.
• •Nitrogen gas complications: Pure nitrogen causes nausea, potential vomiting, seizures, and prolonged consciousness. Research on rats concluded nitrogen is inhumane for euthanasia due to seizures, stress, and lung damage before loss of consciousness occurs.
• •Execution protocol gaps: State officials admitted no protocol existed to ensure proper mask fit, prevent outside air leakage, or address medical emergencies. Smith exhibited violent seizure movements and gasping for minutes, contradicting claims of instant unconsciousness.